McAlmont And Butler

Having already released a warmly received solo album and supported Morrissey on tour, singer David McAlmont linked with former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler in 1995, sparking what promised to be one of the most exciting unions of the mid-'90s. Making his debut as both a producer and a multi-instrumentalist, Butler originally hoped to stretch the partnership over an entire album; McAlmont, however, was willing only to cut a pair of singles. Nevertheless, the pair ultimately recorded sufficient material that, following the conclusion of the arrangement, their label, Hut, was able to compile a full-length album from their catalog, The Sound of...McAlmont & Butler.

The first fruits of the partnership arrived in May 1995 with the single "Yes," a dramatic collision between Philly-style soul and T. Rex-y glam rock. It reached number eight in the U.K., but demands that the pair tour in support of the hit were loudly ignored. Though they made several TV appearances, McAlmont & Butler played just one gig together, a low-key date that summer.

The second single, "You Do," appeared in October, this time climbing to number 17. Unfortunately, the pre-arranged breakup was scarred by an extremely acrimonious battle in the pages of the U.K. music press, which left both musicians apparently adamant that they could never work together again. However, 2002 saw them reunite for a full album, Bring It Back, and two further hit singles, "Falling" and "Bring It Back." They also toured together -- B-sides on both singles were culled from shows at London's Cherry Jam. ~ Dave Thompson, Rovi